Her

Perhaps the most understated film included in this year’s Oscar nominations, Spike Jonze’s ‘her’ is a slow and tentative rom-com-sci-fi which explores the existence of a relationship with a man and his operating system.

Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), a socially awkward romantic, finds love in the caring voice of his computers operating system (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) whilst in the process of divorce from his ex-wife (Rooney Mara). Despite sounding like a seedy future fantasy, Her is a gentle approach to the formulation and workings of a relationship unearthing a relevant truth about the intrusions of technology in the process. Possessing a truly realised vision of a technologically advanced near-future, Her is extremely self-aware of its context, often showing the unnecessary technological gimmicks other than the large overwrought discoveries. So true to real life social interactions and relationships such a story is easily fathomable in the future. This comes with aid from the excellent characterisation of the protagonist who is grounded heavily in the context, reflecting relatable personal qualities that make us connect with him more closely, sharing in his emotions. Adopting this character, Joaquin Phoenix does a fantastic job, as per usual, as he displays the everyday man with charm and enthusiasm, fully establishing his character into the real world.

With a soft yet melancholy vision of the future, Spike Jonze integrates his recognisable style which often reflects the feelings and emotions of characters through the films aesthetics, working in cognition with the central story. With beautiful cinematography, Her often touches on the smaller, more unmentioned aspects of everyday interaction, doing so in a way which is consistently interesting, allowing the audience to become easily transported into the world. Furthermore the original soundtrack also aids in reflecting the melancholy emotions of the protagonist, changing as the film continues to adapt to his changing attitude, rarely changing tempo or style Her, as a result, never feels rushed; being a slow and enjoyable view into the life of a couple.

Calm, gentle and hugely engrossing, Her’s real triumph lies in its established context, in a world where technology dictates our every decision as we rely on it to live, it’s this real life setting that makes these characters and their relationship so true. Spike Jonze’s vision of the future is a somber yet oddly uplifting one which tugs at the heartstrings and pounds at the brain cells.

8.5/10- A smart, seductive and comforting alternative to the unrealistic rom-coms of Hollywood.

Calum Russell

The Lego Movie

In an industry which is quickly becoming devoid of any imagination it has become almost commonplace to find inspiration elsewhere, with the laziest example of this being in that of toys. Transformers, G.I Joe, Battleship, it’s not that these films are particularly bad which is the issue it’s quite simply that their completely unnecessary and take away from the imagination created with toys to instead labour an hour and a half of product placement with a story worse than any child’s fantasy. The Lego Movie, on paper, should epitomise the recent commercialism of cinema and join the growing number of films which have dented the imaginations of kids and adults alike, however the Lego Movie is dramatically different to this presenting a narrative so thoughtful and so heartfelt that it will leave you grinning from ear to ear, eager to uncover your old Lego collection.

Emmit (voiced by Chris Pratt), a normal Lego man contempt with his bland lifestyle and routine is faced with a quest to save the Lego kingdom, gifted with the prophecy of the ‘master builder’. To help him on his quest Emmit is joined by an array of characters from Batman (Will Arnett) to the NBA all-stars as he attempts to end the evil scheme of President Business (Will Ferrell). The beauty of this film is obvious when considering this plot outline being so eccentric and original that it’s instantly comparable to the outlandish stories of a child’s imagination, jumping from scenario to scenario with brief and hilarious explanation. This is evident from the very beginning and as a result hurls any audience member in time instantly, back to when they were a child as the film becomes a joy-ride of the exhilaration of playing around and creating the craziest stories possible. Amongst this films many successes, at the heart its greatest achievement is being able to effortlessly tap into nearly everyone’s ‘inner child’ and past times of not only using Lego in particular but playing and creating in general. Being so lovingly crafted, each frame is detailed with a multitude of universally recognisable ‘in-jokes’ from the crack in the astronauts helmet to the use of odd pieces being placed in the wrong places, giving the film a personal quality. This does arguably hinder the film slightly however as, also alike a child’s mind, the story moves at an incredible pace and already within 15 minutes of the film opening we’re a good way into the plot, despite this being expected of a kids film, its procrastination at times would’ve been appreciated to give relief to the overwhelming story.

                

Aided by the incredible voice  cast present, not only is the film a creative marvel to watch but it’s made all the more entertaining due to its comedic nature, delivering jokes to perfect timing , making it enjoyable for all ages. Giving a child-like simplicity yet natural wonder to the world around him, Chris Pratt is able to effortlessly convey the characteristics of the protagonist, Emmit through just his voice and does so with charm and wit. Further notable performances come from the villains, Bad cop and President Business voiced by a surprisingly charismatic Liam Neeson and an ever hilarious Will Ferrell, performing with enough menace to make them both oddly atrocious as well as lovingly redeeming. Coming off the back of two comedic hits, Cloudy with a chance of meatballs and 21 jump street, it’s no surprise that directors/screenwriters Chris Miller and Phil Lord have yet again proved themselves to be possibly the most impressive comedy duo behind the camera in Hollywood today. With their first hit being a child friendly animation and their second a clever, raunchy comedy, it is evident to see that they’ve used their expertise in both fields to blend a perfect mix of the two supplying ‘silly’ and simple jokes for younger viewers and more intelligent and nostalgic ones for the older ones.

                

From its unique visual style, blending the aesthetics of stop-motion animation with practical CGI, to its adventurous story The Lego Movie is a creative wonder which brings some much needed originality and intelligence to the tired animation genre. Taking a turn for the heartfelt in the final quarter of the film, this narrative twist is both hugely daring and overwhelmingly charming presenting a rarely seen important message for younger viewers in comparison to the generic themes of stereotypical animated releases. The Lego Movie is a momentous achievement on many levels and deserves to stand with the very best of animation releases, just short of perfection if this doesn’t put a smile on your face…seek medical assistance.

9.5/10- Everything is awesome… #pun

Calum Russell